The Milwaukee Bucks trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton was expected to perform above any other team. However, it changed when the Middleton-Kyle Kuzma trade happened on top of the injuries for the two other stars.

Although the Bucks already clinched a playoff spot as the No. 5 seed Eastern team, they're now light years away from the dominating force they used to be. Rebuilding could be the next move, but this could mean losing Brook Lopez in exchange for a younger Wendell Carter Jr.

Failed Trades Highlight Milwaukee's Roster Issues

NBA Trade Rumors: Brook Lopez Out, Wendell Carter Jr. In—Could NBA Trade Rumors: Brook Lopez Out, Wendell Carter Jr. In—Could
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In their effort to revive their team, the Bucks took aggressive roster moves. They swapped defensive stalwart Jrue Holiday for shooting energy in Damian Lillard and tried a shake-up with a Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma trade. These moves on paper seemed great, but they have failed to alter the course for Milwaukee, according to Sporting News.

And now, with time growing short and pressure building, the Bucks are said to be exploring another move: trading veteran big man Brook Lopez.

Why Brook Lopez Is Said to Be on the Trade Block

Brook Lopez, at 37, still is one of the league's top rim protectors and floor-spacing centers. But Father Time would eventually catch up with him.

Even as Lopez still plays at an elite level, Milwaukee perhaps wants to get younger and more forward-thinking. That makes for a compelling trade candidate: Wendell Carter Jr.

Wendell Carter Jr. Provides Youth and Flexibility

Carter, who celebrates his 26th birthday this month, would be a savvy long-term addition to Milwaukee. The Orlando Magic big man has established himself as a solid interior defender with some floor-stretching ability. Although he's had a bad year from beyond the arc, hitting just 23.8%, he's been encouraging in the past.

His biggest weakness could be his endurance. Carter's injury record is a worry, never having played more than 65 games in a season. But his defensive skills, rebounding, and ability to function within a team-oriented system might be what Milwaukee is looking for to rebuild around Giannis and Lillard.

Can the Bucks Land Carter Jr.?

One of the main reasons that this trade works, of course, is the monetary aspect. Carter is signed through 2026 for a pretty team-friendly contract, and he will earn nearly $21 million that year.

To get Lopez for Carter would not only add some youth to the roster but also relieve the Bucks of some cap space - a necessity for a team balancing on the knife's edge of the luxury tax.

However, a Reddit post four months ago said that Carter Jr. cannot be traded this year.

"Please keep in mind that the Magic cannot trade Wendell Carter Jr. until the offseason due to him signing his extension in October. Per the CBA, he cannot be traded until 6 months after he signed(10/7/24), which is past this year's trade deadline," the PSA read.